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Saturday, July 1, 2017

SAINT LYNDON

Lyndon Baines Johnson was the 36th president of the United States of America.His history, like that of most politicians, is replete with ups and downs, both in his electoral record and his appeal.Some loved him. Some hated him.But he holds an honored place in our household, regardless of some of the things he did that we didn't like.In 1965, he signed a bill creating Medicare.Former President Harry S Truman and his wife, Bess, were the first recipients of the program.At a time when a Republican Washington is trying as hard as they can to ruin healthcare in this country, we (Judy and I) are benefiting from the wealth of Medicare.Since Judy took a fall on June 16th she has been in a hospital, had surgery for a broken femur, transferred several days later to a rehabilitation hospital and had absolutely excellent care.All of it, or most of it, paid for by Medicare.We have a supplemental policy which we pay for and we pay every month for our Medicare coverage also.But without that wonderful government program, we would probably be hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt.So thank you, Medicare.And thank you, Lyndon.We may not be in debt but we are in your debt.And, by the way, Judy is doing better each day and will come home Thursday.

14 comments:

My experience with Medicare has been the same. I have zero complaints. And most important, I have the piece of mind knowing that if I ever do have a major health issue, it will not be a financial burden. Those who fear the "social" aspect of Medicare are simply uninformed. By the time they're 65 they will no doubt be much wiser. ;)

A) Great news about Judy. B)Amen to your comments. LBJ was the last truly powerful president in that he was the last to understand and use power effectively. Had it not been for that damned war he would be beloved, despite his cantankerous self.

LBJ was an interesting character....an enigma in some ways. As Tom said, a power broker without peer, often ruthless in dealing with other politicians, and there is some evidence that while in Texas state gov't used some unethical methods. Yet this same man brought changes in civil rights and his 'war on poverty' that I doubt JFK would have done. There are none like him today. Glad Judy is improving. Cheers,Mike

I will second that sentiment. Since I had breast cancer last year and went through a total of three surgeries and I now have a slew of new doctors, I can also say that Medicare has been life saving. Without it, I'm not sure where I'd be today.

Bravo for your praise for Medicare amidst the political insanity that has taken over the health care debate.And kudos for not putting a period after Harry's middle initial! Glad to hear Judy is on the mend.

Johnson wasn't all that popular after leaving office but his star has brightened significantly in recent times. He paid a big price for passing the Civil Rights Act, which was the right thing to do even though it lost the South for the Democratic Party.